While I agree with Sean McAdam that the Yankees-Red Sox Rivalry has lost some steam (actually, for me, it was pretty much over after the 2004 World Series win for Boston), today's matchup of Josh Beckett vs. A.J. Burnett held a lot of promise.

But instead of a pitching duel, it's a slugfest that unfolds before the eyes of the fans in Fenway Park. Beckett gives up six runs in the first four innings, up the Red Sox came back against Burnett in the bottom of the fourth to tie the game at 6-6. After a scoreless fifth for Beckett, his teammates even gave him the lead when Bay double in a pair. Then, Francona allowed Beckett - already in line for the win - to return to the mound to start the sixth, even though Beckett had already thrown 104 pitches. Beckett promptly walks Jeter and gives up a homer to Johnny Damon.

Why? Why did Beckett return to the mound??? He was over 100 pitches and wasn't exactly cruising through the first five inning (although he retired the bottom three of the Yankees lineup in order in the fifth). It's completely beyong me.

---

Add this page to your favorite Social Bookmarking websites